fletcherette

Hey all,
Just wanted to share my progress. I am 1 month post op (technically 32 days) I had my surgery with Dr. Garcia at MiDoctor. As of today I have lost 22lbs (forever!) and feel great.
The only issues I still have are minor incision pain (from the biggest one), I can only sip little bits of plain Water (I think I gulp too much air with it and gives me a big air bubble in my chest) and a gurggly stomach every night when I lay in bed. But those are such MINOR things that don’t faze me at all.
I have no trouble getting all my Protein and liquid in daily, and am able to exercise for at least 30mins 6x a week. I got the greatest compliment the other day, I went and got my hair cut (felt like going short after losing this weight) and my stylist (who has known me for years) said I looked great and was "glowing" and wanted to know what I was doing (she thought I was preggo LOL). When I shared my sleeve experience she was super happy and excited to see more progress at my next appointment
I've added a pic to show my progress. Here's to a successful 2nd month!
Edit to add: would I do this again? Yup I would. It's not all been sunshine and flowers, but "nothing worth having comes easy" and this is worth having

Hey all,
Just wanted to share my progress. I am 1 month post op (technically 32 days) I had my surgery with Dr. Garcia at MiDoctor. As of today I have lost 22lbs (forever!) and feel great.
The only issues I still have are minor incision pain (from the biggest one), I can only sip little bits of plain Water (I think I gulp too much air with it and gives me a big air bubble in my chest) and a gurggly stomach every night when I lay in bed. But those are such MINOR things that don’t faze me at all.
I have no trouble getting all my Protein and liquid in daily, and am able to exercise for at least 30mins 6x a week. I got the greatest compliment the other day, I went and got my hair cut (felt like going short after losing this weight) and my stylist (who has known me for years) said I looked great and was "glowing" and wanted to know what I was doing (she thought I was preggo LOL). When I shared my sleeve experience she was super happy and excited to see more progress at my next appointment
I've added a pic to show my progress. Here's to a successful 2nd month!
Edit to add: would I do this again? Yup I would. It's not all been sunshine and flowers, but "nothing worth having comes easy" and this is worth having

Hey all,
Just wanted to share my progress. I am 1 month post op (technically 32 days) I had my surgery with Dr. Garcia at MiDoctor. As of today I have lost 22lbs (forever!) and feel great.
The only issues I still have are minor incision pain (from the biggest one), I can only sip little bits of plain Water (I think I gulp too much air with it and gives me a big air bubble in my chest) and a gurggly stomach every night when I lay in bed. But those are such MINOR things that don’t faze me at all.
I have no trouble getting all my Protein and liquid in daily, and am able to exercise for at least 30mins 6x a week. I got the greatest compliment the other day, I went and got my hair cut (felt like going short after losing this weight) and my stylist (who has known me for years) said I looked great and was "glowing" and wanted to know what I was doing (she thought I was preggo LOL). When I shared my sleeve experience she was super happy and excited to see more progress at my next appointment
I've added a pic to show my progress. Here's to a successful 2nd month!
Edit to add: would I do this again? Yup I would. It's not all been sunshine and flowers, but "nothing worth having comes easy" and this is worth having

Hey all,
Just wanted to share my progress. I am 1 month post op (technically 32 days) I had my surgery with Dr. Garcia at MiDoctor. As of today I have lost 22lbs (forever!) and feel great.
The only issues I still have are minor incision pain (from the biggest one), I can only sip little bits of plain Water (I think I gulp too much air with it and gives me a big air bubble in my chest) and a gurggly stomach every night when I lay in bed. But those are such MINOR things that don’t faze me at all.
I have no trouble getting all my Protein and liquid in daily, and am able to exercise for at least 30mins 6x a week. I got the greatest compliment the other day, I went and got my hair cut (felt like going short after losing this weight) and my stylist (who has known me for years) said I looked great and was "glowing" and wanted to know what I was doing (she thought I was preggo LOL). When I shared my sleeve experience she was super happy and excited to see more progress at my next appointment
I've added a pic to show my progress. Here's to a successful 2nd month!
Edit to add: would I do this again? Yup I would. It's not all been sunshine and flowers, but "nothing worth having comes easy" and this is worth having

From a 24 to a 8 my goal is 18 more pounds before June 5/2013....

I may be the minority but I did not like MiDoctor at all. If there's one thing I could change about my surgery it would be going to that hospital. I posted my experience and opinion about the hospital if you want to search for it on my profile

Hello all,
I was sleeved with Dr Garcia in TJ on Dec 4th. No complications and life is great! I am down 55 lbs and losing steady. Here is my most recent pic
Best. Decision. Ever!
Good luck in your journey!!

I may be the minority but I did not like MiDoctor at all. If there's one thing I could change about my surgery it would be going to that hospital. I posted my experience and opinion about the hospital if you want to search for it on my profile

When I had surgery they told me it would be at 3pm but didn't go back until 5:30, knowing a time isn't necessarily good cause its not likely to be on time glad to hear you are connecting with other patients, that's what made my hospital stay easy. Keep us posted!

Oh yeah, I'm missing food. I dream about food almost every night. I'd sure love a slice of pizza, but I just keep telling myself this post op diet isn't forever I will be able to enjoy food again, but now instead of eating half a pizza ill be satisfied with a slice or less when are you cleared to start regular foods? I have one more week to go and I can start introducing soft foods
Btw I like your username jkfletch

Happy to report.. I'm back to normal. I had the worse and am just now seeing the payoff 3 months out. I've lost 60lbs total so far.. 56 since surgery. I'm feeling good and looking good might I add! Hope every who had December surgeries are doing well!

I'm 3 week out today and down 20lbs. I started with a low BMi and am happy with this loss. The first two days after surgery were the hardest but it has been better since. I stopped taking any pain meds once I got home from MX, haven't needed them. I have no problem getting all my Water in, I don't have to sip anymore I can take regular drinks now. Isopure unflavored has been my saving grace for getting my Protein. I am walking up to 30mins everyday. I haven't noticed anymore Hair loss then normal but my skin is so clear and my nails are stronger then normal. Getting off all that junk food has been good for my body I am going back to work next week and feel ready for it. I started puree this week,a hard boiled egg went down fine, but refried Beans were too dense for me. It's all a learning process
I find that my head does still occasionally want some junk food but my body isn't hungry and is satisfied and sustained on this diet. I haven't felt weak at all. My biggest struggle thus far is getting my head and stomach in sync. My head wants food but my stomach doesn't and up until this point my head has been stronger then my stomach, time for them to work together lol
My advice to any going through this surgery, push through and persevere, the moments when you regret it, feel pain or struggle keep moving forward it will get better and on the other side is nothing but good health! When I was at the hospital feeling miserable someone told me to "just keep truckin" best advice I could've gotten

I'm 3 week out today and down 20lbs. I started with a low BMi and am happy with this loss. The first two days after surgery were the hardest but it has been better since. I stopped taking any pain meds once I got home from MX, haven't needed them. I have no problem getting all my Water in, I don't have to sip anymore I can take regular drinks now. Isopure unflavored has been my saving grace for getting my Protein. I am walking up to 30mins everyday. I haven't noticed anymore Hair loss then normal but my skin is so clear and my nails are stronger then normal. Getting off all that junk food has been good for my body I am going back to work next week and feel ready for it. I started puree this week,a hard boiled egg went down fine, but refried Beans were too dense for me. It's all a learning process
I find that my head does still occasionally want some junk food but my body isn't hungry and is satisfied and sustained on this diet. I haven't felt weak at all. My biggest struggle thus far is getting my head and stomach in sync. My head wants food but my stomach doesn't and up until this point my head has been stronger then my stomach, time for them to work together lol
My advice to any going through this surgery, push through and persevere, the moments when you regret it, feel pain or struggle keep moving forward it will get better and on the other side is nothing but good health! When I was at the hospital feeling miserable someone told me to "just keep truckin" best advice I could've gotten

I am one year and 8 months post op...I'm still here! I have been doing great! My hair stopped falling out at about 7 months post op....it is shinier then even before...my skin has cleared up...and is so soft now! I have gone from 315 pounds down to 170! I went from a size 24-26, and 3x to a size 9-14, and large tops....all of my back, knee, neck and any other aches and pains have gone away. I can walk up a flight of stairs without stopping to catch my breath after....I can wear makeup again because I don't sweat it all off anymore! I used to be covered in sweat all the time! My shoe size has gone down....so now my feet can fit into cute shoes again! I can have sex in any position now ! My cholesterol, lipids, and all other blood work are within normal ranges! My youngest daughter can fit her arms more then all the way around me! I can fit on all the amusement park rides my confidence and self esteem are booming! Hehe.... My husband looks at me with THOSE eyes again . I like my picture taken again. I am able to eat anything with my sleeve....but I don't really like sweets anymore. I can drink whatever I want, and as fast as I want again. I am excited for life again! I love going out and doing things, instead of sitting on the couch all day long. Seriously.....the list goes on and on....I'm sorry this was so long....but these are some of the most important things to me that have changed since being sleeved. The only problems I have right now are; my boobs went from being really full and bubbly to way smaller, and floppy...my tummy looks like it was a full balloon and someone let all the air out, and these last 20 pounds are hard as hell to get off! The sleeve was the best decision I could have ever made for my health! I would have never been able to reclaim my life without it! Good luck! Hope this helps!

Oh yeah, I'm missing food. I dream about food almost every night. I'd sure love a slice of pizza, but I just keep telling myself this post op diet isn't forever I will be able to enjoy food again, but now instead of eating half a pizza ill be satisfied with a slice or less when are you cleared to start regular foods? I have one more week to go and I can start introducing soft foods
Btw I like your username jkfletch

Oh yeah, I'm missing food. I dream about food almost every night. I'd sure love a slice of pizza, but I just keep telling myself this post op diet isn't forever I will be able to enjoy food again, but now instead of eating half a pizza ill be satisfied with a slice or less when are you cleared to start regular foods? I have one more week to go and I can start introducing soft foods
Btw I like your username jkfletch

Down more inches. Then pounds
[ATTACH]10924[/ATTACH]

Today was really exciting. I ran my first 5k in 37 minutes. Slower than my usual because of herding issues at the paint stations. Yes I said paint. It was the neon splash dash. What fun and what a victory.
First is me in August of 2012, second is me after, and third is me in the middle before the race.

No I went through ready for a change with dr Garcia. I'll begin typing up my story and post it within the week

No I went through ready for a change with dr Garcia. I'll begin typing up my story and post it within the week

I don't think my experience should concern anyone going. I've read more positive experiences then negative, I feel my hospital stay was just the exception to the rule. And as soon as I walked out of the hospital and had my own care solidly in my hands things quickly improved. The meds they sent me home with have worked wonderfully. Even if the hospital stay isn't that pleasant you can endure two days of anything and come out on the other side alright. I just kept telling myself it may suck now but it wouldn't last forever

Hey all, Got a nice little nap in and decided to just type this up and post it. Sorry if its a little long winded
Hey all just wanted to post my sleeve experience. I was sleeved March 11th with Dr. Garcia at MiDoctor through Ready 4 a Change. I have lost 13lbs in the first week
I know a great deal have had wonderful experiences and mine for the most part was ok, but far from wonderful.
The majority of my issues with the experience were with the coordinators and the nurses on staff at MiDoctor, and well the hospital building itself.
Instead of going into a play by play of things I will just organize things into subjects.
Coordinators:
The coordinators at r4ac started out being wonderful but as surgery day approached and I needed more concrete information it was hard to get. I was told I would receive a call from the driver prior to driving into San Diego, but never did and called him myself (no biggy, BUT when I am told I can expect a call I kind of expect it LOL)
I was under the assumption that the day prior to surgery I was to do the liquid fast because I would be going to the hospital that day for pre op testing (as I have seen many other sleevers do)
Once I made it to the Marriott I was told another coordinator would come to my room to explain things to me. I waited in my room for several hours with nothing, I saw I had a blinking message light on my phone, asked a hotel attendant how to receive messages and was told that messages are not a service the hotel provides. After asking several other hotel staff I figured out I had a message and a folder downstairs for me. The folder had a note about who to contact and when to be picked up and said “no, nothing after 10pm”
I then tried contacting the coordinator to see why I wasn’t doing pre-op testing that day. With no success for a few hours I emailed another coordinator my same question-who’s email response was less then polite and basically said had I read the info packet I was emailed 3 months prior I would have known that pre op testing is ALWAYS done the day of surgery. Well this seemed inconsistent with what I had heard from other sleevers but oh well and while I was in the hospital saw a couple of patients come in the day prior to surgery for testing…. I’m not a big fan of inconsistency so this was irksome.

Anywho, when I read the packet again I saw it said:
You may have nothing to eat or drink after the midnight preceding surgery or 8
hours prior to your surgery. If you are a Same Day Surgery arrive with an empty
stomach. If you are coming in a day prior you may have dinner but nothing after
midnight.
That along with the “no, nothing after 10pm” letter I ordered myself some room service around 4pm.
When I finally did hear from the onsite coordinator that night, she informed me it was her day off and that I wasn’t supposed to eat at all. Oops! A little too late, thanks! Thankfully another VST (lexysdad) was in the hotel and kindly gave me a bottle of magnesium citrate to clear my system. At this point I’m beginning to realize communication between coordinators and I wasn’t very clear and was inconsistent.
Aside from this day I had no issues with the coordinators and contacting them the rest of my stay.

Day of surgery was fine, met the doctors no biggy, nurse got the IV in one try.
A few things I hadn’t been expecting:
Something I’ve never seen mentioned is peeing oneself in the recovery room. LOL embarrassing? Yes. But truth. I woke up in a puddle of my own pee and I’ve heard others say the hospital doesn’t have washrags which may be true because when I asked for one I didn’t get one and when I had my first shower they gave me a big gauze pad to wash with.
Another thing I hadn’t known was they make you crawl from the recovery bed back into your own after surgery. A little odd to me considering I just had stomach surgery and lifting a patient with a blanket is fairly simple…but ok. When they asked me to crawl from one bed to the other right I asked them “seriously?” LOL
And I’m not sure if it was due to the gas or the IV fluids but for several days after surgery my breast felt huge and numb. Not painful just really odd heh.
Nurses and hospital:
Being in the hospital IN MY OPINION was horrible. The nurses, though nice, weren’t as on things as I had hoped. The first night the nurse spoke very little English when I gestured to her that I was going to vomit she said “ok, medicine” and never came back. I ended up going to pee and while sitting on the toilet vomited some black stuff on the bathroom floor. Once I got her to follow me back to my room and showed her the throw up she threw toilet paper on it, I later ended up swiping it up with my foot so I could use the toilet. She did eventually give me nausea meds.
I know someone said there’s a paper in the rooms that helps translate but I didn’t have one in my room.
The majority of the hospital stay I was in excruciating pain, which made getting up and walking unbearable (which really the halls were so small I could never really get walking before I had to make a turn, and with 3 of us up walking at a time it was even harder to walk the pain out). The pain meds they gave work but they weren’t giving them often enough. Bottom line, my pain was not managed AT ALL. In the two days there I maybe had a handful of hours of pain relief and spent the rest of the time miserable.
Getting a nurse was difficult, when I was in pain rolling myself out of bed to go waddling out to talk to a nurse was difficult. They have no nurse call buttons and I yelled NURSE a lot but that never worked. (NOTE: I did go with my mom but she stayed at the Marriott at night so I was on my own at nights)
I ran out of IV fluids more times than I could count, my blood would often flow back into the IV and my hand and arm were very swollen and numb.
The hospital was freezing the entire time. I was on the 4th floor and two rooms away from mine was a room under construction that had no ceiling. Construction workers would work until midnight and one morning I was up around 5 to walk and could smell cigarette smoke on the floor-yuck.

In the end:
This may all seem minor, but while I was in pain the little things did make me feel worse. I don’t have any major issues with the doctors other then I saw Dr. Garcia for less than 10 minutes my entire stay (briefly before surgery and even more briefly the day after) I’m guessing he was really busy but it would’ve been nice to have more time to discuss things with him.
Also the other doctors on staff saw me more often but would often say they would go get something (pain meds, spirometer) and be right back and then never come back. That kinda sucked. And asking to see a doctor was useless, I did ask to see a doctor about my pain meds but never did.
I have asthma and actually never got a spirometer until I was being discharged. AND they made me do some breathing treatments for my asthma, and I noticed after the 2nd one that my lungs were raspy; I was coughing and could feel mucus in my lungs. I am a week out, still coughing and can feel the mucus
Anyone taking a support person and worrying about their comfort? Don’t my mom was so nervous about her safety/comfort but ended up having a blast and lovvveeeeddd it. LOL, Wish I could share her sentiment. She wants to go back and well I’d like to visit TJ again, this time without the surgery
Would I recommend this doctor and coordinator? Yes BECAUSE I think my experience was the exception to the rule, and the things I found unpleasant may not be a big deal to another.
Would I recommend this hospital? That’s a resounding no, while it is better than a strip mall or some other places I’ve heard about in MX it really, in my honest opinion, is not good enough. While I wouldn’t recommend it I would say to anyone going, you can tough it out for a few days because once you’re out of the hospital you will feel a 100x better.
Would I do this again? Now that’s hard to answer, because to say yes would mean I would be willing to go back through the two days of hospital stay and I am not far enough out to say I’d do that again LOL. BUT now that I am home and can rely on myself for care I feel COMPLETELY better. I’m sure as I progress along and lose the weight and feel more and more better I will come to a point where I can whole heartedly say I would do this again. But at this moment, truthfully, I’m not so sure

And finally, please remember, this was MY experience. MY feelings and MY opinion on things. What was horrible for me might be a breeze to another if you have any questions feel free to PM me.